Mason Turns 1 - Jamaican Style

One year ago, little Mason was born and has since then brought so much JOY to so many!

This past weekend we celebrated his BIG 1st Birthday- Jamaican Style.

Only hip parents, like Ashun and Taylor would come up with such a fun/unique theme.

Rasta Mon Cupcake Tower by Cupcake Couture

 BEST Cupcakes I've had (must try their cake pops, as well)

 Mason's smash cake

As soon as I heard the party details, I came up with the idea for a rasta man hat with some blond dreadlocks.

Bon Bon (aka. Mom) knitted the hat and I braided and stitched together the dreads. 

 

(looks more like a reggae octopus in this shot)

 It was quite the hit and Mason wore it like a champ. 

 Mason with his hat and the reggae singer.

Happy Birthday Mase Face!

We love you so much and look forward to celebrating year after year with you.

XO,
Auntie Sam & Uncle Shane

Perfect weekend with my LOVE!

Weekend started off with a nice night in and this delicious meal. 

Recipe here.

Uh-maz-ing and easy. 

Watched The Romantics, it was okay at best.

Saturday we went on a MUCH needed date to the Bungalow Club with a coupon we bought on 

Livingsocial.com

 (love this site)

Yummy dinner and good wine. 

Fondue fun. 

My LOVE and I, not afraid to take down the entire plate of fruit and marshmallows!

After dinner we had planned to go to The Groundlings (Improv/comedy club) with another coupon we bought, but had a poor experience reserving seats, terrible customer service, didn't go to the show and WILL NOT be returning there! 

Instead we topped the night off by celebrating our friend Mandy's birthday at the Hudson.

Holly hot spot batman, super crowded, but FUN!

  Finished the weekend with brunch on Sunday with the Peykoffs...

I LOVE our friends! 

Now it's time to work off the food and drink.  

Happy Monday.

XO, 

S

All in ONE weekend blog!

Catfish, Cupping, Upper West, 30th Birthday, Valentine's Day Feast = Quite the Eventful Weekend

 

 

Rent it, you will not regret it!

Catfish Review

Went in for an acupuncture visit, came out looking like this

I didn't have quite this many leper spots, but I had the same procedure done

It's called cupping, click for a more detailed explanation of it's benefits. 

After I got cupped, I spent a lovely day with my Adydu enjoying the almost 80 degree LA weather in January.

Saturday evening, Shane and I ate at Upper West, a newish hot spot on the west side.  The atmosphere and bar were fabulous.  The food was pretty good, minus the dessert which we shouldn't have ordered. 

We shared the Burrata- definitely recommend

I got the crab cakes - YUM

Shane got the beef carpaccio and the smoked bacon blue cheese fries - carpaccio was delicious (or so he said, I don't do raw beef) and the fries were good, but a little too soggy for our liking. 

For dessert we got the cinnamon sugar donut bites and they were overcooked.
Drinks were Excellente! 

Would definitely go back for drinks and apps!

Happy 30th Birthday to our dear friend Tessa!

Last but not least we celebrated Valentine's Day with my mom and Barn on Sunday!

Menu included Filet's (for the ladies)/Rib Eyes (for the men), Lobster, Farmer's Market String Beans and Roasted Rose Bud Potatoes Oh My! 

Topped dinner off with Secretariat, an inspirational Disney movie (true story), great for the whole family! 

Happy Valentine's Day to you and yours! 

XO, 

S

Lots of catching up to do!

Happy 60th Birthday to G'Anne, Mom, MIL!

Last weekend we celebrated with a little pampering, a surprise party and finally by taking her to the Magic Castle for her actual birthday dinner!

 They've really improved their food, at least I thought so and the shows were great as always.  

Although I highly recommend going on the weekends because more areas are open and there's magic in every nook and cranny. 

A friendly game of LCR at the surprise party.  

Our new favorite party game.  

Click here to buy yours!

Okay, now for some real informative blogging. 

At the risk of throwing my husband under the bus, I'm going to tell you about his latest purchase and my new best friend and savior. 

Ta-da

Does your husband snore?  Wake you up at night with his snoring?  Forcing you to put in earplugs that fall out, roll around grumpy and finally move to another room or onto the couch for some rest?
Well loose sleep NO MORE! 
These work! 
At least they have for the last two nights and I've been able to sleep in our bed with my boos and wake up feeling oh so rested.  

I will let you know if it's a fluke or if this streak continues. 

With that said, snoring and all, I really do have the best husband.  I was feeling sicky and he went and bought out CVS.  Some Zinc, Echinacea, Ziacom and no more house guests and I feel like new.  Looking forward to a very relaxing weekend at home together! 

Happy Friday!

XO,
S

Celebs, little things around the house and needles?

=VERY needed weekend

It started out with dinner with Olga and Vince to celebrate her upcoming birthday at the Buffalo Club in Santa Monica.  I pulled a Sam when choosing the restaurant, thought we had a www.livingsocial.com $40 (that I bought for $20), but it was for the Bungalow Club, oops. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the Buffalo Club, but was super embarrassed when I busted out my coupy and it was for a different place.  Luckily I pulled it out and Vince noticed that it wasn't the right restaurant before giving it to the waiter.  Embarrassment averted, at least partially.  

If you know Olga, you know she travels a great deal for work and tends to have star sightings in airports across the country, which she gives us updates on Facebook about.  Well Friday, we hit the jackpot in celeb sightings.  Started off with seeing Isla Fisher at a neighboring table, can you say flawless? Then I noticed that Isla was with Chelsey Handler (eweee, not a big fan, especially after our bathroom run in where she was a total B to Olga). In walks Lionel Richie, woohoo, now we've got a party! A little later into our meal a petite blonde turned around and who was it?  None other than Reese Witherspoon.  Stars don't generally excite me, but Lionel and Reese, had us all excited.

Here's my sneaky attempt at taking pics of Vince and Olga and capturing everyone else.   

I had the best view of everyone "all night long"

 Don't worry Olga definitely got us talking to Lionel who is SO down to earth and hasn't aged a bit. 

His advice, never live for yesterday, always live in the present and look forward!

The BEST part of the evening was when the restaurant raised the volume of their ambient music and played "All Night Long," the house went crazy. Everyone threw there hands in the air and began to sing, including Reese who could not be cuter.  It was a great moment and I realize that you probably had to be there to feel the excitement, but whatever, I'm still giddy about it.  Happy Happy Early Birthday to OG! 

 Little things around the house...

Saturday was dedicated to Spring cleaning (I know it's Winter), but we needed to go through our closets and re-organize some stuff.  We also did some handy work.  Hung up my new card holder that I picked up from Pottery Barn's holiday sale, and black out curtains in our guest bedroom. Getting ready for MIL's (mother-in-law) visit next weekend.  Felt good to be home and get things done. 

 Love, love, love our new and improved wall of friend fame! 

 Great item all year long for all the wedding invitations, birth announcements...

Needles...

So needles, yes needles, why needles?  Well, I am terrified of them, but that didn't stop me from going to try out acupuncture Saturday afternoon.  An alternative medicine doctor I'm seeing suggested I do it and I'm all about trying new things to promote better health naturally. It wasn't bad at all, I even found it enjoyable and booked a second pin cushion appointment next weekend.  Look forward to blogging about results a few weeks from now.  

Saturday evening and Sunday proved to be productive, while nice and relaxing.  Movies, football, napping, homemade soup and breaky in bed for Shane.  It was a very nice weekend indeed.  I had to miss another good friend's wine tasting birthday weekend, which was very sad.  I know our girls showed her a great time though and was there in spirit.   And another friend's bday in Newport...  Finding balance isn't always fun and I've never been good at it, but I'm learning.  Happy Birthday to Katers and Megan!  Love you girls!

.

XO, 

S

Happy Birthday to Me!

I guess I've always loved my birthday!

Prezzies, loved ones, birthday dinners, parties, non cake cake (ice cream, cookie, carrot, cheese...  I've never been one for the typical white or chocolate cake)
Looking forward to seeing what 31 has in store. 

XO, 

S

They say it's her birthday...

 There's no better way to celebrate than 

Susie Cakes Cupcakes!
Holly Yummo Batman!!
But more important than the delectable treats is the reason we're indulging...

Happy Birthday to my best friend, most beautiful and incredible woman I know, MY MOMMA!
See below.

 

I only grow closer and more fond of you each year (day) that passes.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for being YOU!

I can only hope that I am half the mother and wife you are in my lifetime. 

 May this year be filled with all you wish for and more!

XO, 

S&S 

(Shane loves and wishes you a Happy Birthday too!)

P.S. Scorpios Rule!

B

He's 32...

We love our friends!

The fedora duo!

And I'm done planning bdays for a while (at least a year, maybe more).
Palm Springs was a success, despite the minor hiccup of NO air in our room the first night.
Looking forward to our return trip ALONE in the suite they are giving us to make up for the inconvenience.

I know Shane is feeling lucky in LOVE, FRIENDS, FAMILY and LIFE this year!
Thanks again to all that joined us!

XO

Still as cute at 32!

Happy 32nd birthday Boo Boos!
(Shane as a blondie kidlet below)

Friday, June 18th, your birthday continues!

In our going on 4 years together, we've had quite the run of celebrations,
here's a glimpse of them.

Year 1: Happy 29th at The Standard Rooftop Pool
Downtown, LA

Year 2: The BIG 3-0
at Zu Robata

Year 3: Just as fun at 31!
at Ivy at the Shore

Year 3 cont: BBQ with friends!
The Carlton, Brentwood

The Party Continues this year as Shane turns 32!
Friends and family will celebrate with us in the desert at the Palm Springs Riviera!

You are so very loved babe.
I hope you remember that on all days, not just your birthday.
We can't thank all our friends and family enough for celebrating with us!

XO,
Sam

Happy Birthday to My Barney!

We can't wait to take you out with your new discount!

Thanks for being a wonderful father and bossman.

XO,
S&S

This Lady is 80!

Happy 80th Birthday Grandma Wanda!

Shane's grandma is truly one of the sweetest woman I've ever met.
All she wanted for her birthday was a crab sandwich from Nick's with her family!
She even made up a little ditty about her turning 80 and the sandwich.
This lady is 80 and she's getting a crab sandwich...

Nick's did not disappoint and if you are ever in Pacifica,
you must stop in and enjoy one of their famous crab sandwiches!

Tried to find a pic of the scrumbtiousness, but nothing did it justice!

While in town, we got to celebrate Mother's day with a few of the special mother's in our lives.
Although I missed my momma, it was special to spend this day spoiling other mommies that deserve to be recognized!

...now it's back to the grind and I couldn't be happier to be home. I missed our new little home and even work! There's something to be said about routine, at least for me! This week has been all about catching up so far. Shane's off to Jason Rose's bachelor party in Scottsdale this weekend (which there probably wont be pictures of, there never are). And I'm set for a relaxing girlie weekend sprinkled with a bit of celebrating Olga's graduation from USC Marshall School of Business, Congrats! And a little goodbye brunch for Amy who's moving to London to join Joey in a few short weeks.

PS. Ady just moved to the Westside! Welcome Bestie, I couldn't be more excited to have you close!

XO,
S

Samantha and Josh's Beautiful Santa Barbara Wedding and Daddy D's Surprise 55th

Another busy, fun filled weekend... Shane and I were honored to share Samantha and Josh's very special day with them. After years of dating, they tied the knot on their 7 year anniversary. I had the pleasure of visiting her while she got ready for her walk down the aisle. She was a stunning bride and the day couldn't not have been more beautiful. Here are some of the moments I captured.

What a perfect day to get married!

The Dress!

Blushing Bride and her proud father!

Love the peacock feather... Josh didn't skip a beat on the details. He even hand strung the crystals (you can see them in the background in the introducing Mr. & Mrs. Jones shot below) and made the chandeliers that gave the green house just the right ambiance!

Introducing Mr. & Mrs. Jones!

While in SB, we had the chance to stroll on State Street and have lunch at one of our all time favorite restaurants Pascuccis!

YUM! I can taste the prosciutto wrapped shrimp in garlic!

I MISS STATE STREET!

We stayed with Jason and Shannon at their great little place in SB.
Here's a shot from behind their house.
What a view!

The day after the wedding, they had a BBQ celebration at Shoreline, hosted by the Jones family. The decor was too cute not to take pictures of! I'm so copying some of these ideas for events I throw in the future. I heart sweet tables and haystacks!

Congrats to Samantha & Josh, we could not be more happy for the beautiful couple.
We wish them many more years of health and happiness!
XO, S&S


Straight from the BBQ, we headed to the Doss Family house for Daddy D's Surprise 55th Birthday. Naira and Wesley did an excellent job of surprising him with all his closest family and friends, a little bit of Tonk and Poker and a lot of food!

SURPRISE!!


Make a wish!

Naira and Shane were color coordinated!

We finally made it home late last night and today I enjoyed a lovely day in Brentwood, while Shane stayed in bed with some sort of flu/cold. Poor guy!

5 days till Broadmoor!